Meet a Craft Riot Vendor: LaLa

Laisa Macias

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/LaLa/134648839894255?ref=sgm

LaLa or sewlala on Etsy

mylalashop@yahoo.com

www.sewlala.etsy.com

Give a brief product description.

A new line of clothing created using graffiti fabric that I designed and a variety of denims.  The line is fresh and fun and can be worn by any age group.  The line will also be featured in solid colors.


In addition to this new line I will also have dresses made from old clothing that was purchased at local thrift stores and vintage boutiques.  There are some very cool fabrics and wonderful patterns in these dresses that make them beautiful and definitely one of a kind.

How did you get started?
I learned to sew at a very young age but it wasn't until about four years ago that I really got in to it.  I took a couple of classes at First Samples as a refresher and have been sewing ever since. First doing simple projects at home, then using patterns and making small alterations to my own clothes, and then this year I ventured into pattern making which has opened up a whole new world of designing for me. "My biggest inspiration comes from my grandmother who taught me to sew when I was really young.  She was very crafty and loved clothes.  She made clothes for all her kids and then for me as I grew up.  My memories of her and her aesthetic definitely impact my designs and the type of material I use.


Where do you get your inspiration?
My other inspiration comes from music and nature.  I love old school hip hop and the 80's which you can see in the more current and edgy styles that I design.  They are simple pieces with a lot of personality.  The comfortable fit and versatility with which you can wear them speaks to my ""hippie"" style.  I want something I can wear outside at the beach to be casual on one day, and out for a night on the town another day.


Describe your workspace/workroom.

I have a loft style home that was literally built by the owners in 1979.  It is a couple of blocks away from a lake in a wonderful "Austin" community. All the homes are eclectic and nestled away among the trees.  I use the small upstairs loft as my workspace. It has mini vaulted ceilings and windows along both walls.  It feels very bright and airy plus I feel like I'm always part of the house because I can just look over the edge and see everything going on.  There is fabric everywhere and pictures on the walls that speak to me on those long night to keep me going. During the day I can open all the windows and just enjoy nature at it's best while sewing away.

What has been your favorite winter holiday gift to make or receive?
The first year I started sewing again I made totes for everyone in my family.  It was soooo fun giving them out and everyone loved them.  The best part about it is that here we are four years later and anytime I go home I get to see those little totes still being put to good use.